James and Ethel Gray Park upkeep issues
BIRDHAVEN- THE persistent presence of displaced persons dependent on income generated from recycling continues to be a challenge for the up-keep of the James and Ethel Gray Park.
“One only has to walk through the park to see the dirty state it is in,” said Beata Gadziwski, a resident in the area.
Gadziwski added that she walked through the park daily with her dog, and many times would leave the park with a full bag of litter.
“There are countless litter dumps hidden in-between long grass and littered into the stream running across the park by those claiming to be re-cyclists,” she said.
“Many homeless people stay here, one even threatened me with a brick. Some of the homeless people attack people, you can’t go there alone.”
According to Ward 74 councillor Jack Cooper, the littering in the park has been an issue since 2011 when he was elected councillor.
“We have had numerous meetings with residents’ associations, residents, City Parks, Pikitup, Metro police, conservationists and environmentalists etc,” he said.
“I feel the City of Joburg has no clear policy on vagrants/homeless people or the political will to face up and deal with the issue.”
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of City Parks confirmed that the utility had worked closely with Metro police to assist in carrying out random operations to remove illegal housing structures in green spaces such as the James and Ethel Gray Park.
“This often results in the displaced person relocating to a more concealed part of the park or the spruit,” she said.
Gadziwski confirmed that many homeless people found shelter deep within the marshes of the spruit, where they were hidden from view. “We have to intervene and preserve the park,” she said.
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